Pegasus is sold by NSO Group, an Israeli digital arms dealer that provides governments with tools meant only to help combat terrorism and criminal activity. But a growing body of research provides evidence that Pegasus increasingly is used by repressive governments to stifle investigative journalism, anti-corruption watchdogs and forms of political dissent.

The indictment says NSO Group employs 500 individuals and is valued at at least $900 million. The company has been on sale on closer to $1 billion and, according to one employee, makes over $200 million in sales per year.